<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000886163-16-000215.txt : 20160826
<SEC-HEADER>0000886163-16-000215.hdr.sgml : 20160826
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20160826083145
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000886163-16-000215
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20160822
ITEM INFORMATION:		Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20160826
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20160826

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000886163
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834]
		IRS NUMBER:				770160744
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-33093
		FILM NUMBER:		161852767

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		3911 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD
		STREET 2:		SUITE 110
		CITY:			SAN DIEGO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92121
		BUSINESS PHONE:		858-550-7500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		3911 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD
		STREET 2:		SUITE 110
		CITY:			SAN DIEGO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92121
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>lgnd-form8xkreauditorappoi.htm
<DESCRIPTION>8-K
<TEXT>
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<div><a name="s2B958F950E98B233754EC2ADCD0081C6"></a></div><div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:5px;text-align:center;font-size:1pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:1pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:5px;text-align:center;font-size:18pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:18pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:18pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:18pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:2px;text-align:center;padding-left:302px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:16px;text-align:center;font-size:18pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:18pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM 8-K</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:2px;text-align:center;padding-left:302px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:16px;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:16px;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:16px;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 22, 2016</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:2px;text-align:center;padding-left:302px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:16px;text-align:center;font-size:24pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:24pt;font-weight:bold;">LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:2px;text-align:center;padding-left:302px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:75%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:34%;"></td><td style="width:33%;"></td><td style="width:33%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Delaware</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">001-33093</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">77-0160744</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">(State or other jurisdiction of</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">(Commission File Number)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">(I.R.S. Employer</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">incorporation or organization)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">Identification No.)</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:49%;"></td><td style="width:2%;"></td><td style="width:49%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">3911 Sorrento Valley Boulevard, Suite 110</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">92121</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">San Diego, CA</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">(Zip Code)</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:8pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">(Address of principal executive offices)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:16px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">(858)&#160;550-7500</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">(Registrant&#8217;s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:16px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">N/A</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:2px;text-align:center;padding-left:302px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:16px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-top:16px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:33px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Written communications pursuant to Rule&#160;425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-top:16px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:33px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule&#160;14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-top:16px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:33px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&#160;14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-top:16px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:33px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&#160;13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:8px;text-align:center;font-size:1pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:1pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:24px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><a name="s061F010BC778534D8852C2ADCD323F3D"></a></div><div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:144%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:144%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 4.01</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:144%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:138%;padding-bottom:6px;padding-top:6px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:138%;padding-bottom:6px;padding-top:6px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">On August 22, 2016, the audit committee of the board of directors of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated&#160; (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) approved the selection of Ernst &amp; Young LLP (&#8220;EY&#8221;) as its independent registered public accounting firm replacing Grant Thornton LLP (&#8220;Grant Thornton&#8221;).</font></div><div style="line-height:138%;padding-bottom:6px;padding-top:6px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;">(a) Dismissal of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm </font></div><div style="line-height:138%;padding-bottom:6px;padding-top:6px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">On August 22, 2016, the Company's audit committee of the board of directors approved the dismissal of Grant Thornton as the Company&#8217;s independent registered public accounting firm and the Company accordingly notified Grant Thornton of such action effective as of that date. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:8px;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The reports of Grant Thornton on the Company&#8217;s financial statements for each of the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. In addition, during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, as well as during the subsequent interim period preceding August 22, 2016, there were no (i) &#8220;disagreements&#8221; (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and related instructions) between the Company and Grant Thornton with respect to any matter relating to accounting principles, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Grant Thornton, would have caused Grant Thornton to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in its reports on the Company&#8217;s financial statements with respect to such periods; or (ii) &#8220;reportable events&#8221; (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions).</font></div><div style="line-height:138%;padding-bottom:6px;padding-top:6px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Grant Thornton&#8217;s letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission stating its agreement with the statements in these paragraphs is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.</font></div><div style="line-height:138%;padding-bottom:6px;padding-top:6px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;">(b) Engagement of New Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm </font></div><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">On August 24, 2016, the Company engaged EY as its new independent registered public accounting firm. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and through August 24, 2016, the date the Company engaged EY, the Company did not consult with EY regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:144%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 9.01</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:144%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Financial Statements and Exhibits.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:138%;padding-bottom:6px;padding-top:6px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;">(d) Exhibits </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">16.1&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Letter from Grant Thornton LLP, dated August 25, 2016.</font></div><div><br></div><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:16px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:99.44444444444444%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="4"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:44%;"></td><td style="width:6%;"></td><td style="width:1%;"></td><td style="width:49%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td colspan="3" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Date: August 25, 2016</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">By:</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">/s/ Charles Berkman</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Name:</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Charles Berkman</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Title:</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:1px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:1px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div><a name="s3BE548D7B875879B325DC2ADCD5393D2"></a></div><div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Index to Exhibits</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:10%;"></td><td style="width:90%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;text-decoration:underline;">Exhibit Number</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;text-decoration:underline;">Description</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">16.1</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Letter from Grant Thornton LLP, dated August 25, 2016.</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div></div>	</body>
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<TYPE>EX-16.1
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<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 16.1
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<div><a name="sA73D312685B5F3207DC8C35943F5F5D1"></a></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:94px;text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:8pt;"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;"><br></font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">[Grant Thornton LLP Letterhead]</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:70.58823529411765%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="1"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:100%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:18px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">August 25, 2016</font></div><div style="font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</font></div><div style="font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Office of the Chief Accountant</font></div><div style="font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">100 F Street, NE</font></div><div style="font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Washington, DC 20549</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:29px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:140%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Re:    Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.</font></div><div style="line-height:140%;padding-bottom:18px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">File No. 001-33093 </font></div><div style="line-height:140%;padding-bottom:18px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Dear Sir or Madam:</font></div><div style="line-height:140%;padding-bottom:18px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">We have read Item 4.01 of Form 8-K of Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. dated August 25, 2016, and agree with the statements concerning our Firm contained therein.</font></div><div style="line-height:140%;padding-bottom:18px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Very truly yours,</font></div><div style="line-height:140%;padding-bottom:18px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP</font></div><div style="line-height:140%;padding-bottom:18px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:140%;padding-bottom:18px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:140%;padding-bottom:18px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:140%;padding-bottom:18px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:140%;padding-bottom:18px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:6.5pt;"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:6.5pt;"><br></font></div></div>	</body>
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